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Database administrator

Database administrators use technical, analytical and problem-solving skills to manage and protect organisational data. They are skilled in designing and maintaining databases, monitoring performance, troubleshooting issues, ensuring data integrity and implementing appropriate security measures.
Average weekly salary
$2284
Future demand
Strong
Most common education level
Bachelor degree

What does a database administrator do?

Businesses generate masses of data; database administrators (also known as database managers) help protect and make sense of this information. As a database administrator, you would design and develop databases that meet the needs of an organisation. Your job would involve database management, including maintenance, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring there are appropriate security measures in place. You might also be responsible for creating user guides and training staff so they can navigate the database.

Is a career as database administrator right for me?

Your analytical brain and ability to problem-solve will come in handy as a database administrator or database manager. Other skills and attributes beneficial for this role include:

Analytical thinking
An ability to analyse and interpret information.
Communication
Clear written and verbal communication skills, supported by strong interpersonal skills.
Digital and technical capability
Proficiency in using technology, digital tools, and relevant software.
Organisation
Effective time-management and prioritisation skills.

Problem-solving and decision-making
The ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and make informed decisions.

How to become a database administrator

A career as a database administrator combines technical knowledge with strong problem-solving and organisational skills. Relevant study can help you understand how databases and information systems work, while practical experience can build the skills needed to manage, maintain and protect organisational data. 

Below is one path you could take to become a database administrator: 

  1. Complete a degree in information technology, computer science, information systems or a related field.
  2. Develop skills in database design and management, data security, programming and information systems.
  3. Gain experience using database management systems and working with different types of organisational data.
  4. Build practical experience through industry projects, internships or entry-level IT and database roles.
  5. Continue developing your technical knowledge as database technologies, security practices and organisational data needs evolve.

Professional recognition

91²Ö¿â's Bachelor of Information Technology is accredited at professional level by the . Through the Seoul Accord, that recognition also applies in a number of other countries, which can support graduates who want to work internationally.

How long does it take to become a database administrator?

The time it takes to become a database administrator can vary depending on your study and experience. A relevant bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science or a related field typically takes around three years of full-time study. 

You can then build your database administration skills and practical experience through industry projects, internships or entry-level IT roles. 

Start your journey with 91²Ö¿â

Prepare for a database administration career with a 91²Ö¿â information technology degree and develop the technical, analytical and problem-solving skills needed to manage and protect organisational data.
Bachelor of Information Technology
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Responsibilities and work settings

Day-to-day responsibilities

Designing, implementing and maintaining databases to meet organisational needs.

Monitoring database performance, troubleshooting issues and ensuring data integrity.

Implementing security measures and managing data backup and recovery.

Optimising database performance, storage capacity and system efficiency.

Collaborating with developers, analysts and IT teams to support data management requirements.

Managing user access, permissions and database security controls.

Where you might work

Cloud computing and IT infrastructure organisations

Software development and technology companies

Data analytics and artificial intelligence organisations

Banks and financial institutions

Government agencies, departments and councils

Telecommunications providers

Database administrator FAQs

The database administrator salary in Australia will vary, depending on factors such as experience, location, and industry. It should be noted that senior database administrators often earn more. Please see the salary information on this page for further details.

Database administrator roles and responsibilities include designing, implementing, maintaining, and securing databases. They ensure data integrity, optimise database performance, troubleshoot issues, and oversee data recovery. 

Database administrators are in high demand, especially as data management and security become increasingly critical to many businesses and industries. Skilled professionals are needed across many sectors, including finance, healthcare, and technology.

While not all tasks require coding, database administrators often need programming skills to create scripts, automate tasks, or write queries using SQL or other database languages.

Key database administrator skills include database design and management, SQL proficiency, data security, troubleshooting, analytical thinking, and knowledge of database management systems (DBMS). 

At 91²Ö¿â, our degrees are designed to equip you with the technical skills and practical experience necessary to excel in database administration, including programming fundamentals and advanced database management techniques.

A career as a database administrator can offer job stability, competitive salaries, and the opportunity to work across various industries, either domestically or internationally. The demand for skilled data professionals remains strong.

At 91²Ö¿â, our IT degrees prepare you to succeed in this field, offering the opportunity to learn cutting-edge tools and technologies that support business processes, operations, and IT.

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Disclaimer: 91²Ö¿â’s Career Finder is a guide only. While reasonable care is taken to ensure accuracy, career information may change over time. Career statistics are sourced from and . © Commonwealth of Australia. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. Salary figures listed on this page are in Australian Dollars (AUD).